Conversely, a bass line recorded with a root note of A can be pitch-shifted to play back with a root of G but without altering its tempo. For example, a drum loop recorded at 120bpm can be automatically time-stretched to play back at 100bpm while maintaining the original pitch. In essence, however, Acid provides a means of adjusting the tempo and pitch of the audio loops in real time. For those totally new to the software, the reviews of earlier versions are available on the SOS web site. Given there are so many new features to consider in this release, it would be a shame to spend too much time here going over the basics of Acid. Windows 98SE, ME, 2000 and XP are supported. Sonic Foundry's system requirements are pretty basic, a 300MHz processor and 128MB RAM being the key elements. On the test system this all worked without a hitch. The install application also offers the user the option to register the software via the Internet. Acid BasicsĪs with most modern music applications, installation of Acid Pro v4 is a largely automated process. Topping the list of new capabilities are 5.1 surround sound mixing, step, piano-roll and event-list MIDI editing, ASIO driver support, VST Instrument support and plug-in automation.

Version 4 therefore includes an impressive array of new features.

It's still a loop-based music creation tool first and foremost, but, aware of both increasing competition and new developments in computer audio (such as an increased interest in surround mixing), Sonic Foundry are continuing to develop the program further. While the MIDI features of version 3 could perhaps best be described as 'basic', all the new features were certainly very usable and, despite obvious competition from the likes of Sonar, Acid 3 is an excellent creative tool, either used on its own or sync'ed to a MIDI + Audio sequencer.Ī year later, Acid Pro v4 is upon us. SOS last looked at Sonic Foundry's Acid Pro in January 2002 when, in addition to the core functionality based around pitch- and time-stretching of audio loops, new features included MIDI tracks, a Video window and two new tools: the Beatmapper and the Chopper. With the addition in version 4 of surround sound mixing, ASIO and VST Instrument support and an expanding MIDI functionality, Sonic Foundry are attempting to move Acid beyond its original role in loop-based music creation. The user interface of Acid Pro v4 contains all the elements familiar from earlier versions of the software.

Acid pro 4.0 software